104-Year-Old Bronson Commons Resident Recognized for His Selfless Service in the Army

Published on November 15, 2023

104-Year-Old Bronson Commons Resident Recognized for His Selfless Service in the Army

Photo of veterans.

Each year, Bronson celebrates Veterans Day by presenting employees that have served in the armed forces with a challenge coin. This year, over 200 employees and several residents of Bronson Commons, a nursing care and rehabilitation facility in Mattawan, were presented with the Bronson 2023 Challenge Coin. 

This year, Bronson was proud to present 104-year-old Bronson Commons resident, James (Jim) Hackenberg with this year’s coin, titled “The Practice of Selfless Service.” 

Jim has lived in southwest Michigan for quite some time. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1936, joined the Army in 1941 and served until 1945.

Jim earned the rank of Sergeant, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Iceland. He earned several service medals, including Good Conduct, American Defense Service, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with five Bronze Stars, WWII Victory, Army of Occupation, Medal with a German Clasp, Sharp Shooter with a Carbine Bar and a Marksmanship Badge with a Pistol Bar. 

To recognize his 100th birthday, Jim received a special tribute certificate from the State of Michigan thanking him for his service and dedication to our country. 

Pictured with Jim are Ernie and Stephen, two other veterans at Bronson Commons who also received a Bronson Challenge Coin. 

What is the Significance of Being Coined?

Members of the armed forces have a long history of carrying challenge coins to symbolize the camaraderie of being part of a select group. It has been said that only those who have served and received a coin for an accomplishment can truly appreciate its meaning.  

Retired Sgt. Efrain H. Robles, a retired Army veteran and former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, designs the coin that is given to Bronson employees each year. “Veterans possess the innate desire and ability to commit to a life of selfless service.” said Sgt. Robles. “This characteristic is inherent to a life of duty that is practiced within a medical environment. The patriotic representation of the caduces seeks to illustrate the blending of military values and compassionate care.” 

The phrase, “Selfless Service,” represents the practice of a value inherent to every veteran and serves as the theme of the coin. The caduceus serves as the focal point of the coin. The overlay of the flag on the caduceus seeks to extol the patriotic sense of duty and service to others. The phrase, “POW-MIA,” appears in remembrance of those who are still missing. The field of white represents the ideal environment within which selfless service best flourishes. The three stars beneath the caduceus along with the two stars that bookend the phrase, “Selfless Service,” frame a sacred and celebrated virtue of selfless service to country.